Homeowner guides
What Dave tells people at the kitchen table, written down. No sales pitch.
Best Time to Replace Siding in Oregon
The easiest window for re-siding in Oregon is mid-spring through early fall, but a careful crew can work in other months. What to book when, and how rain is handled on the job.
Read →Do You Need a Permit to Replace Siding in Portland or Gresham?
Portland lists siding replacement that is not required to be fire-resistant as not needing a permit. Gresham's page is less specific. Code still applies either way, so call to confirm.
Read →How Much Does Siding Cost in Portland? (2026 Homeowner Guide)
What really sets the price of a re-side in the Portland area: material, size, rot repair, trim and windows, and prep. Published national ranges, plus why a free on-site estimate beats any chart.
Read →How to Check an Oregon CCB License (Before You Hire a Contractor)
Look up any Oregon contractor on the CCB's license search: active status, name match, bond, insurance and complaint history. A five-minute check before you sign anything.
Read →James Hardie vs. Cedar Siding: An Honest Comparison
Cedar wins on natural beauty and easy repair. Hardie wins on rot, fire and low upkeep. Here is how each holds up in Oregon rain, and how Hardie's cedar-look lines close the gap.
Read →Rainscreen and House Wrap: What Oregon Siding Needs Behind It
Oregon code requires walls to drain. That means a water-resistive barrier plus a drainage gap behind siding, unless the barrier is built to drain. What it is, why it matters, and what to ask.
Read →Signs of Dry Rot in Your Siding (and What to Do About It)
Soft, spongy wood, bubbling paint, swollen trim and stains under windows are the usual signs of rot. Here is how to check safely, what to fix, and when repair is enough.
Read →What Is the Best Siding for Oregon Rain?
James Hardie fiber cement and properly maintained cedar both handle Oregon rain. What matters most is the install: flashing, a drainage gap behind the siding, and clearance from roofs and grade.
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